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| HP dc5100 |
Computers are everywhere these days; even people in their eighties and nineties can send emails and surf the Web. Most businesses are IT savvy too and use a computer to run the accounts, conduct online research or manage their plans.
For a start up business, the flashiest all-singing all-dancing computer that does everything is almost always not required. Overspend on IT and you could live to regret it, but buy equipment that doesn’t meet your needs and you could be left frustrated as well as out of pocket.
The trick is to buy something that meets your needs exactly, something that gives you the opportunity to grow without breaking the bank. To read more about computers and what you need to know click here.
We’ve trawled through computer manufacturers and retailers to bring you a selection of basic computer packages that should meet your needs. Of course, no two businesses are the same, so we’ve assumed that you are a startup that’s on a budget.
The prices below are meant as a guide only – if you want the best deals you have to do some legwork. Shop around (including online retailers), talk to sales staff and see who can give you the best bargain.
HP Compaq dc5100 Micro Tower PC
This PC is simple to use yet is capable of supporting a wide range of business needs. According to the experts, it is flexible and fits snuggly into most basic IT networks.
Price: around £500
Processing Power: 1 x Intel Pentium 4 520 2.8 GHz
Hard drive: 1 x 40 GB - standard - Serial ATA-150
Memory: 256 MB (installed) / 4 GB (max) - DDR II SDRAM - non-ECC - 400 MHz - PC2-3200
Graphics controller: GMA 900
Dell Dimension 5150C
This is a good-looking PC (if that’s important to you) and does the basics very well. Apparently, it’s pretty bad for running computer games, which will help you to focus on your business!
Price: from £600 (approx)
Processing Power: Intel Pentium 4 Processor with Hyper-Threading Technology
Hard drive: Serial ATA
Memory: 256MB
Graphic controller: 128MB ATI Radeon X300 SE HyperMemory graphics card
Packard Bell Imedia 1538
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| Dell Dimension 5150C |
Another solid beginners’ PC, the Imedia 1538 can handle most startups’ needs. It has more memory and drive space than the machines listed above – useful if you plan to work fast and store a lot of data.
Price: £599.00 (approx)
Processing Power: Intel Pentium 4 519 Processor
Hard drive: 160GB
Memory: 512MB
Graphics controller: 256MB GEforce 6200 LE TC 64 Graphics
For most people PCs are the computer of choice, however if you think that you might need more design capabilities from your computer then you should consider an Apple Mac. They tend to be more expensive but arguably give you at least as much bang for your buck. Here are a few to whet your appetite.
Apple iMac G5
Apple's latest all-in-one PCs are trendy as well as being powerful and functional. There are three main models, which grow in price as well as sophistication. The ‘computer’ is housed in the monitor, which means it takes up less space in your office.
Price: around £1,000
Processing Power: 1.9GHz G5 processor
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| Power Mac G5 |
Hard Drive: 160GB
Memory: 512MB
Graphics controller: ATI Radeon X600 Pro graphics
Apple Mac Mini G4
This is the smallest and cheapest of Apple’s desktop computers. It is easy to use but lacks some of the essential functions you’d expect for a business computer.
Price: £359.00 (approx)
Processing Power: 1.25Ghz
Hard Drive: 40Gb
Memory: 512MB
Graphics controller: ATI Radeon 9200
Apple Power Mac G5.
One of the most powerful Macs you can buy. Very quick and lots of storage capacity, but you pay a premium for all that space.
Price: around £1,300
Processing power: Dual 2Ghx Power PC G5
Hard Drive: 160GB
Memory: 512MB
Graphic controller: Nividia G Force 6600
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